Health Department on Alert as Kedarnath Pilgrimage Surpasses 500,000 Visitors
Health department on high alert as Kedarnath pilgrim footfall crosses 5 lakh
News 18
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The Health Department in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, is on high alert as pilgrim numbers to Kedarnath Temple exceed 500,000 during the ongoing season. Medical teams are actively screening and treating visitors, with specialized measures in place to address health concerns, especially for those trekking at high altitudes.
- 01Over 500,000 pilgrims have visited Kedarnath Temple this season.
- 02Around 52,000 pilgrims have undergone health screenings.
- 03Emergency medical services include ambulance and helicopter evacuations.
- 04ECG-based screenings have detected several cardiac issues among trekkers.
- 05Health officials advise caution for families bringing young children.
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The Health Department in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, has heightened its alert status as the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Temple has surpassed 500,000 during the current pilgrimage season. With the rising footfall, the department is actively providing medical services to ensure the safety and health of visitors. So far, approximately 52,000 pilgrims have undergone health screenings at Primary Health Centres, and more than 62,000 patients have received outpatient consultations. Medical teams are stationed along the yatra route and at the shrine to offer immediate treatment to those in need. Dr. Ram Prakash, the Chief Medical Officer, reported that the department has facilitated ambulance services for 150 patients and airlifted 26 critically ill individuals from challenging terrains. This year, ECG machines have been introduced to screen for cardiac complications, leading to the detection of multiple myocardial infarction cases. Dr. Prakash urged pilgrims to consider weather conditions and health risks, particularly advising against bringing small children to the Kedarnath Yatra due to the extreme cold.
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The increased number of pilgrims necessitates enhanced medical services and emergency preparedness, ensuring the safety of visitors during the pilgrimage.
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